Questions for writing and discussion

1. Describe your intellectual and emotional reaction to Kozol's article. What information about the lives of the poor and illiterate did you already know? What information surprised you? How did Kozol's essay make you feel about this problem?
2. The purpose of an investigative report is to give information without editorializing or arguing for or against a solution. In which paragraphs does Kozol remain most objective and unemotional? Which sentences reveal Kozol's sympathy for Laura's situation? Does he avoid editorializing?
3. Reread the essay, marking those places where Laura's illiteracy causes her problems. Based on your notes, explain how her illiteracy (rather than her poverty) causes or magnifies her problems.
4. Describe the investigative techniques Kozol probably used to write his essay. In addition to his interviews with Laura, what were his other probable sources of information?
5. According to the information provided by Kozol, what support does the welfare system provide Laura and her children? How does the welfare system encourage Laura to improve her life? List three changes you believe the welfare system should make to solve Laura's problems and make her more self-sufficient.
6. On your next trip to the grocery store, see which products would appeal to an illiterate person. List the items (and their prices) you might buy, based on the pictures on the labels. Write a paragraph describing your findings. Is Kozol correct in assuming that Laura pays too much for her groceries?